Riverchase Galleria’s future is questioned as Macy’s is set to close

HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — For 38 years, the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover has been a viable economic facility for the City of Hoover.

With anchor Macy’s expected to close their doors, questions remain about the future of the largest shopping center in Alabama.

Hoover City Council President John Lyda said the Galleria is without a doubt an important economic driver for the city and they are working to keep business in the city flowing.

“The dirt and the property are incredibly valuable here, so the future of this campus looks bright the question mark remains as to what is that future,” said Lyda.

The mayor’s office and the city’s economic development team have had continuous conversations with Brookfield Properties, the owners of Riverchase Galleria. They’ve centered on ways to revamp the space as the years go on and shopping trends change.

Lyda says the city is confident the soon-to-be empty space won’t go to waste.

“We’re seeing a movement away from larger big box retailers to more mom and pop. Hometown type retail. We’re confident that Brookfield, they’re the largest mall owner in the world so they are true professionals at what they do. We are confident that they have some great ideas that can help transform this campus into this next phase,” said Lyda.

Just across the road from the Riverchase Galleria, another once-thriving economic boost for the City of Hoover: the Patton Creek Shopping Center. Just as much as President Lyda says the future is bright for the Galleria, ideas are in the works for Patton Creek.

“Conversations are fruitful and so the city just waits to the opportunity to be a partner in any redevelopment opportunities that may exist in some of our more robust economic engine properties,” said Lyda.

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